Pilonidal surgery is the most effective way to get rid of stubborn and hard-to-treat cysts. Just like any other surgical procedure,pilonidal cyst removal surgery is also performed after a careful evaluation of the case. A colorectal surgeon is trained and certified to perform the excision surgery. While it takes somewhere around a few weeks to several months to recover completely, the recovery timelines for pilonidal sinus surgery depend upon the overall acuity of symptoms and the type of surgery performed. Let’s understand the different stages of recovery and the challenges associated with each phase:
What Is Pilonidal Cyst Surgery?
A pilonidal cyst forms at the end of the tailbone. It is a benign growth that starts in a hair follicle. However, infection and inflammation can make the condition painful and uncomfortable. Surgical removal of the cyst is the only way to get rid of the cyst if conservative treatments fail. The types of procedures include:
- Incision and Drainage – A small incision is done to cut open the cyst. The pus and debris are drained and the area is cleaned and sterilized.
- Excision With Open Wound – It is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the sinus tract. The wound is drained, cleaned and packed with sterilized gauze.
- Excision With Closed Wound – Where the size of the cyst is big, a bigger and wider incision is done to remove the infected area. The wound is closed with sutures.
- Rhomboid Flap Surgery – After draining and cleaning the wound, the wound cavity is packed with healthy skin from a nearby area. The wound is carefully sealed with stitches.
Pilonidal Cyst Removal Surgery Recovery Timelines
The recovery time after a pilonidal cyst removal surgery can be divided into three phases:
Immediate Post-Surgery Period
The initial first week after surgery is a very crucial period. The wound is fresh. Also, as the effect of anesthesia wanes away gradually, one may experience unbearable pain and discomfort. Stick to the prescribed dose of prescription medicines to manage pain and inflammation. Antibiotics and proper wound care are necessary during this period to avoid any kind of re-infection and post-surgery complications.
It is important to take adequate rest during this phase. Indulging in any kind of strenuous activity will exert pressure on the wound. So, refrain from heavy workouts and follow a simple daily routine. It is recommended to use a coccyx pillow while sitting on hard surfaces.
Short-Term Recovery
Weeks 2-6 show remarkable improvements in the way the patient feels. The wound begins to heal and is less painful and hurting. Also, one can contemplate returning to work, especially if it is a desk job. But it is important to avoid prolonged sitting hours. Also, keep monitoring the wound for any signs of infection. For open wounds, healing takes longer before the wound opening closes completely. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch with the colorectal surgeon and stick to the schedule of follow-up appointments.
Long-Term Recovery
It can take as long as six months for a person to recover completely. Depending upon the type of pilonidal sinus surgery, especially for excision with open wounds, the recovery time is the longest. One will gradually experience no pain and discomfort on touch and movement, indicating complete recovery. Most patients can gradually return to their normal activities, including exercise and high-intensity daily chores without any difficulty.
Can Pilonidal Cyst Recur After Surgery?
Unfortunately, pilonidal cysts have a high rate of recurrence. Almost 30% of pilonidal cysts recur within five years of surgery. Thick, coarse hair on the lower back, prolonged sitting, and friction and pressure due to tight clothing are the common risk factors for increasing the risk of recurrence.
How To Ensure Complete And Permanent Recovery?
Several factors influence a complete and permanent recovery from a pilonidal cyst:
- Type of Surgery – Studies show that incision and drainage along with an open wound surgery have the highest rate of relapse. Talk to your colorectal surgeon for rhomboid flap surgery. While the pilonidal cyst removal surgery cost is higher than other procedures, the recovery phase is shorter with the lowest recurrence rate.
- Wound Care – Adhere to the wound care instructions. Maintaining proper hygiene, changing the dressing regularly, and following the post-operative guidelines promote faster healing.
- Lifestyle Changes – Good overall health with proper weight management is important to reduce the risk of recurrence. Preventive measures like healthy eating and exercise routines are crucial. Also, refrain from habits like smoking and drinking as they affect the overall health and slow down the healing process.
- Hygiene Habits – Keeping the lower back hair-free is an important step towards preventing a pilonidal cyst. Go in for permanent laser hair removal or regular waxing and shaving to restrict hair growth.
Final Thoughts
Recovery from pilonidal sinus surgery is not just about physical healing. One must remain psychologically upbeat during this painful and uncomfortable phase. Full recovery from pilonidal sinus surgery typically takes several weeks to months and support from family and caregivers is extremely important. But besides other factors, the outcome of the surgery depends upon the skill of the colorectal surgeon. Dr. Allen Kamrava MD MBA is one of the well-known colorectal surgeons in Beverly Hills who has successfully performed numerous pilonidal cyst removal surgeries and has helped his patients recuperate in quick time. Schedule an appointment to discuss your case at length.